All-Ireland IHC future in doubt

Cork's Shane O'Donovan with Martin Power of Kilkenny during the All-Ireland IHC final

The future of the All-Ireland intermediate hurling championship is sure to come under some scrutiny after it was revealed that only two teams will compete in it this year.

Cork and Kilkenny are the only two counties to have shown an interest in the championship. The two met in last year's final which the Cats won.

That final marked the official opening of Pairc Ui Chaoimh and it is understood that Kilkenny request that this year's final be played in Nowlan Park.

The current guise of the All-Ireland IHC began in 1997, but initially it was ran from 1961 to 1973 and Cork have won eight titles in total, leading the way in the roll of honour, while Kilkenny are third on the list with five titles.

However, with only the two counties competing, it is unclear whether the competition has a future.